
Terms of Reference (ToR)
For
Developing a draft Human Rights Defenders Protection Act
1. Introduction to ASK:
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) is a national legal aid and human rights organization in Bangladesh dedicated to promoting a just and equitable society grounded in human rights, social justice, democracy, and the rule of law. Since its establishment in 1986 by a group of committed individuals, ASK has been at the forefront of human rights advocacy and activism in Bangladesh. The organization has consistently championed the rights of marginalized and disadvantaged communities, particularly women, working children, and workers.
ASK’s strategic focus spans a wide range of interventions, including awareness-raising initiatives, strengthening human rights actors, providing legal aid and support services, advocacy and networking, organizational strengthening, capacity building, child protection, and institutional development. The organization works to foster an environment where gender equality is upheld and all individuals can live free from discrimination, violence, and injustice. By addressing critical human rights challenges through a comprehensive approach, ASK empowers people of all genders to claim their rights and actively contribute to a society that values dignity, equality, and justice.
ASK is widely recognized for its robust human rights monitoring and reporting mechanism, which enables stakeholders to assess trends and patterns of human rights violations across the country. Partnership and collaboration are central to ASK’s work. Through strategic partnerships, ASK strengthens the human rights initiatives of local organizations, mobilizes communities, and creates platforms for collective advocacy.
ASK’s Human Rights Protection Groups and the Human Rights Defenders Forum (HRDF) voluntarily work to improve the human rights situation within their respective localities. In addition, ASK maintains strong communication and coordination with cultural activists, Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and journalists nationwide. This extensive network enhances ASK’s ability to gather timely information on human rights violations and respond effectively wherever such incidents occur.
To download full ToR, Click this Link.
Deadline: 20 May 2026 by 5:00 PM |